Revealing the Warriors' offseason moves: No chance for James or Leonard? Murphy III trade more likely

On June 17, Beijing time, the NBA trade window will officially open firsthand reporting from Warriors insider Slater on the team's offseason plans, including the possibilities of pursuing LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Trey Murphy III, as well as contract extension issues for current players—

Scenario 1: Pursuing LeBron James

Team sources say that if LeBron's negotiations with the Lakers break down, James is seeking a new home for his 24th NBA season, and the Warriors are willing to extend an olive branch proactively.

But interest doesn't equal high expectations. All intelligence gathered by management points to James likely staying with the Lakers, and the team is currently basing its entire summer plans on that assumption.

Should the possibility of signing James arise, the Warriors' offer would be straightforward: they could free up the full $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. This contract carries low risk, is salary-friendly for the team, and would bring dual benefits of on-court performance and off-court commercial value.

At that price, James would undoubtedly be the top target in free agency. If necessary, the Warriors could include a second-year player option and invite Stephen Curry to join the recruitment effort. However, the team has not yet made overtures, as no signals indicate James will leave the Lakers.

Scenario 2: Pursuing Kawhi Leonard

Multiple ESPN sources confirm that before the February trade deadline, the Warriors actively inquired about Leonard. Team insiders reveal that the Clippers were more responsive than before, but the final answer remained unchanged: owner Steve Ballmer refused to trade him.

Unlike James, trading for Leonard would require sending out multiple players plus future draft assets, and a hefty extension on his existing $50.3 million expiring contract, potentially creating significant long-term risks.

However, team sources indicate that if the trade package is manageable, Leonard, as a proven elite wing, remains a top target for immediate championship contention. The obstacle: league sources say Ballmer holds a firm stance, refusing to part ways with Leonard and insisting on building around the star forward.

Trey Murphy III is a more realistic wing target

League sources reveal that New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III is a more feasible trade target this trade cycle. The Warriors management has long monitored him: a quality wing perfectly suited for Kerr's system, aged 25, helping with a youth movement.

The Pelicans have always viewed Murphy as untouchable, but league sources indicate they aim to participate in a first-round trade during next week's draft. The Warriors hold the 11th pick and maintain control over all their future first-round picks.

Regarding the 2026 first-round pick's plans

Over the past month, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and management have focused heavily on evaluating options for the 11th pick. The team is optimistic about prospects in this range, and league rivals expect the Warriors to protect this pick fiercely in trade talks.

Owner Joe Lacob and executive vice president Kirk Lacob are fully involved in discussions, with Kerr frequently at the arena watching workouts. However, the final decision on this pick rests with Dunleavy, a key call for the GM in the transition period of Curry's late career and early team rebuild.

Michigan forward selection Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan visited San Francisco for a workout impressed everyone present. The team believes he is plug-and-play, a rare skilled big forward.

A team insider commented, "The fit is obvious."

But age is a factor: Lendeborg is 24, a week older than Jonathan Kuminga, traded in February. Team sources say age won't eliminate him, and drafting him at 11 is feasible, but it will be a consideration—this draft is deep, with younger, more promising talents potentially available.

Arizona 20-year-old guard Jaden Bradley among them. League sources say he declined workout invites from some top-10 teams, including the Kings at 7. The Mavericks at 9 are widely seen as his preferred destination.

But he recognizes the possibility of sliding, and the Warriors are an attractive backup option. Team sources confirm Bradley will work out for Golden State on Thursday, alongside Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly and Washington forward Keshad Johnson.

Three other notable prospects: Michigan center Jett Howard, Louisville guard Skyy Clark, and Houston guard Jamal Shead. All are projected in the top 10, with no workouts for the Warriors yet, but many within the team favor them, especially Brown. The Warriors are gathering intel in case one unexpectedly falls unexpectedly.

Plans for team free agents

Draymond Green

Green holds a $27.6 million player option, with a clear deadline: must decide by June 30.

For months, team sources have indicated that a long-term, pay-cut extension for Green would require a first-year salary around $20 million to free up cap space for other positions.

Dunleavy has been in communication with Green's agent, Rich Paul. Negotiations may shift in the next two weeks, but the current team projection is that Green will exercise his player option, staying on a one-year, $27.6 million expiring contract.

If he exercises it, Green becomes a valuable salary-matching trade chip, which could cause some unease. However, the team appreciates his poise amid trade rumors last season, and both sides want him to retire a Warrior if the terms align.

A multi-year extension could solidify that vision, but Dunleavy and management prioritize future salary flexibility, keeping the books clean. Beyond next season, only $23.4 million in guaranteed contracts remain: Moses Moody ($13.4 million over two years) and Gui Santos ($10.3 million over two years).

Kristaps Porzingis

This guaranteed salary planning also affects negotiations with the expiring Porzingis's negotiations. Talks began after the Finals. The team wants to keep him but not at this season's $30.7 figure, preferring a short-term, reduced deal. League sources say the likelihood of a return agreement is rising.

Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton

Veteran center Al Horford holds a $5.9 million player option, also with a June 29 deadline, destination still undecided.

Veteran guard De'Anthony Melton has a $3.4 million player option, and recent external assessments expect him to test free agency; the Warriors will decide whether to re-sign him based on offers.

Once next season's roster takes shape, the Warriors plan to advance long-term extension talks later this summer.

Rookie contract extensions

Fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski is eligible for a rookie extension. Podziemski has expressed a desire to the team and league sources indicate that the closer we get the October extension deadline, the higher the chance of an agreement, with management open and optimistic.

Curry and Butler's long-term plans

The team's two veteran stars, Curry and Butler, have a combined $119.3 million in expiring contracts. Butler is still in mid-rehabilitation from a torn ACL, ineligible for an extension until next February, when his recovery can be fully assessed.

Curry's extension window opens in late August. He and management have long agreed: he should finish his career as a one-team legend with the Warriors.

Dunleavy stated, "We've always been clear that we want Stephen to finish his career here, for as long as he wants to stay. I can't envision any scenario where we wouldn't want to make that happen."